One of the objectives of these meetings was to reshape the top leadership at the Pentagon, sidelining or removing those who were regarded as moderates.

However, Jones denied the new structure was aimed at sidelining Bertrand, saying he was being moved into the position to concentrate on the company's refinery upgrade programme.

Sources for both companies say Bell was instrumental in getting the deal done, sidelining the lawyers who had failed to agree on a valuation for the joint venture and putting his finance guys out front.